2008 Woodie Awards
Nose guard named to all-star team
By Mike Mallory
Rocket Editor-in-Chief
Issue date: 12/9/05 Section: Sports
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For the nose tackle, a native of Monongahela, Pa. and graduate of Ringgold High School, the number 13 is his most recent statistical achievement. Last week, Minnie became only the 13th player is Rock history to be named to the Cactus Bowl, the Division II all-star game.
"It was definitely one of the great things that has happened to me," Minnie said. "I definitely believed I had a shot, but I was still a bit surprised. I'm just going to try to get the most out of my experience down there."
Minnie joins Bret Geishauser (1998), Brian Polk (2000) and Brian Godfrey (2005) as the only former Rock defensive players to be named to the bowl. Former Rock offensive players who participated in the all star game include Pete Geis (1994), LaMonte Coleman (1995), Greg Hopkins (1995), Matt Maritz (1997), Randy McKavish (2001), Brian Minehart (2001), Dorrian Glenn (2002) and Bill Ricks(2004).
"To be recognized as one of the premier defensive linemen is quite an honor," Rock coach George Mihalik said of Minnie.
A total of 10 players from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), including Minnie have been named to the game.
"It shows that we're one of the more competitive conferences in the nation," Minnie said.
Mihalik said the recognition that the PSAC has received displays the national attention the conference has earned.
The game, which will be held in Kingsville, Texas on Jan. 6 will be watched by a number of professional scouts, including the National Football League, the Arena Football League and the Canadian Football League.
Minnie said the opportunity to play professionally would be fulfilling, but at the same time something he's not too concerned with at this point.
"It's something I would welcome if it comes," Minnie said.
Minnie said the main focus of the game will be to highlight division II football with the game's best players.
"Even though it may not be as large as division I, it doesn't mean we don't have as many capable players," Minnie said.
Minnie is not the only player to be honored over the past several weeks.
Running back Josh Kniess and defensive tackle Cory Lacek have were awarded the Daktronics first team all region honors by the region's sports information directors.
What he's (Kniess) done for us, it's a very fitting way to recognized in his final season," Mihalik said.
As for Lacek, Mihalik said it's a rarity for a sophomore to receive a great deal of notoriety.
"For a sophomore to receive these awards, speaks very well of the attention that he was getting from other teams," Mihalik said.
